Gardening solutions made for you, the gardener!

8 Easy Ways to Find Trustworthy Buyers in the European Fresh Market

There’s no doubt that the export of fruits and vegetables has become a big deal nowadays.

And with reasons of course:

The main one being the growth in consumer demand and the inability to produce many fresh fruits and vegetables year-round in Europe.

For most farmers in developing tropical countries, the European Union offers a very lucrative market for their farm produce. While at the same time satisfying the high demand in Europe.

On average about 75% of all fresh fruit and vegetables in Europe is sold by supermarkets.

More...

The supermarket share is even higher in Northern and Western Europe, but lower in Southern European countries. These high-end supermarkets provide traders with premium prices than any other market outlet.

The vast majority of these supermarkets belong to retail chains, which buy their produce from a decreasing number of importers.

Simultaneously, their demands and requirements continue to increase.

This scenario clearly demonstrates why Europe is very popular amongst seasoned exporters as well as the wannabe exporters.

However, there’s only one major challenge:

It’s the single most barrier to entry for most aspiring exporters.

And that is finding and keeping a buyer on the European fresh fruit and vegetables market.

If I may guess right, that’s probably the main reason why you are reading this article.

Are you in the same situation trying to find trustworthy buyers in the EU fresh market to support your next export empire?

Then, lucky you:

Because in today’s article, I’m going to discuss exactly that.

You’ll be surprised to know that some of these tactics aren’t extraordinary. They aren’t well guarded secrets only known to a few. In fact, there’s no magic bullet that will magically send buyers your way.

But don’t let their ease of execution deceive you.

These tactics work and they are what the pros use.

Ready?

Let’s dive in:

Follow these tips to help you find your potential buyers.

1. Be as professional and well prepared as possible

2. Contact your local business support organisations

3. Use online catalogues

4. Visit trade fairs

5. Use online platforms for information and promotion

6. Participate in European support programmes

7. Comply with buyers’ demands and requirements

8. Be careful who you do business with

1. Be as professional and as well prepared as possible

The European fresh fruit and vegetables sector is a dynamic sector that is full of new opportunities.

When looking for potential buyers, you need to be well prepared.

Know your strengths and weaknesses.

Make sure you know your potential buyers before you contact them. Moreover, doing business in Europe requires a pro-active attitude.

You need to be professional and do your best to comply with their demands. Your buyer will expect good communication skills and prompt response.

European buyers expect clear and direct communication 24/7. Buyers also want to know more about your business; an informative website can be of help.

Specific actions to take:

Develop good communication and language skills and be proactive.

Use market studies from business support organizations in your country.

Make sure to have an attractive and up-to-date website. Use your website to communicate about your assortment, certifications, good agricultural practices and international service.

Do market research for your products, markets and channels, make use the following CBI sector studies:

8. Be careful of whom you do business with

Many European companies in the fresh fruits and vegetables sector showed poor results in recent years due to economic decline (numerous economic crises).

There is a reduction in the number of relevant distributing importers, and an increasing concentration of large retail chains with strong buying power.

This concentration of buying power, combined with the Russian ban on agricultural products imports from the European Union (EU), has affected the rest of the supply chain, putting pressure on both importers and foreign suppliers.

As a result, it is a good idea to find out how financially sound and reliable a buyer is, before doing business with them.

Specific actions to take:

Be careful about who you choose to do business with.

Ask around what other people in your sector know about a specific company.